Thursday, December 16, 2010

I love fashions that capture a time and place. And what better time than the joyous Christmas Holiday and what better place than a nostalgic bygone era to which we yearn to return if not for a visit. Christmas Rose is a sumptuous and elegant holiday dress that truly captures those Classic Christmases of yesterday and brings them to our own time. I adore this dress. And I'll be wearing Christmas Rose throughout the holiday season in Second Life. This charming outfit was designed by Geryn Sloane, owner of G Sloane Couture. You can find Christmas Rose in the Christmas Shop located on the third floor of flagship store. Santa Claus is there too. Be sure to sit on Santa's lap to recieve a free gift.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

I have recieved such glowing compliments wearing this dress. Christmas Rose comes with a rose shirt with fur cuffs, a Christmas ribbon skirt, a golden sash, and a golden neckwrap. It seems like it was designed with a gorgeous gift wrapping for a Christmas present in mind. Christmas Rose sells for L$500.

I do feel like a beautifully wrapped Christmas present in this outfit. Saying that, I can just hear my more flirtatious male friends (you know who are) saying that they can't wait to unwrap this present. Well, naughty boys don't receive presents on Christmas. They get coal in their stockings and a right cross to their jaws.

The Christmas Fashion Wreath that I am wearing about my hair was designed by Precious Restless, skin and fashion designer and co-owner, with her real life twin sister Vitabela Dubrovna, of Boudoir. This wreath is a free holiday gift from Boudoir. It's wonderful, isn't it. Thank you Precious and Vitabela.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The MEB 2010 Winter Collection from MEB Fashion was officially released earlier this week. There's always excitement around the release of the seasonal collections of MEB's owner and designer, MariaElena Barbosa. Oh, I may have built up the wrong expectations for this post. No, I'm not featuring items from the Winter Collection today; but, they are exciting. Look for them in future posts - guaranteed. What I want to blog, while autumn is still in the air, is my very favorite outfit from the 2010 Fall Collection. Its a delightful creation called Princess Anna.

Princess Anna is exactly what I want and expect from Italian fashion. It's smart and stylish. It's playful and sexy. And it's so flattering on me. Can an outfit be all these things? Well, you tell me. Princess Anna will have you answering with an emphatic yes. Princess Anna sells for L$490 at MEB Fashion.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

Where to photograph a princess? At Le Mont Saint Michel, of course. Mont Saint Michel is a Second Life treasure. It is an accurate and full size replication of the famous tidal island in Northern France. This small rocky islet was consecrated to the Archangel Saint Michel in 708 AD and is famous for its Benedictine abby, a 13th century Gothic masterpiece, towering over 500 feet above the sea. Mont Saint Michel is actually an outcropping of granite conspicuously jutting out of a vast sandbank and exposed to powerful tides that can rush in over the tidal flats at speeds, famously described by Victor Hugo, ‘as swift as a galloping horse.’ The rocky islet is entirely surrounded by water twice a month, becoming a tidal island. The actions of the tides give Mont Saint Michel a wonderful mystical quality. I wanted to photograph Princess Anna with the medieval charm of the island's village as a backdrop. I hope you like the result.

The hair that I am wearing is from DrLife and is called Leena. Leena was designed by Leena Ying and sells for L$350. With Leena, you get 9 hair colors which you can select from a menu.

Strolling and Shopping on the Grand Rue at Mont Saint Michel

Well, didn't I tell you that Princess Anna is all that. And there's more fashion magic at MEB Fashion. Be sure to catch the new 2010 MEB Winter Collection. I'll be blogging my favorites from the collection. So stay tuned.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

I stopped by ALB Dream Fashion to pick up the monthly gift for the store's group members. Store owner and fashion designer extraordinaire, Analee Balut, gives her very devoted group members the most generous gifts. The store is also a joy to shop in - tasteful, airy, and set in an exotic North African desert. Much of her fashions are influenced and inspired by the color and cultures of Africa. The designs are some of the most exciting in Second Life. When wandering about the store, a new collection of dresses caught my attention. Called Lilly, my first reaction was to draw in my breath and exclaim, 'Oh, how pretty'. Pretty they are indeed. Lilly is very fresh and very today, yet has a delightful redolence of nostalgia. Lilly would be just the thing for those occasions when we want to be feminine, soft, and pretty ... very pretty.

Lilly come in seven colors - turquoise, red, khaki, black, blue, violet, white. It sells for sells for L$390. All seven colors are available in a fatback for L$1500. I bought all colors. Readers of my blog - Mariko Nightfire: A Virtual Life - know that my beloved community of Hallelujah Azul recently closed. For this post, I photographed Lilly at various locations around Hallelujah Azul to preserve one last look at my long-time home.

Mmmmm Yummy in Pink.

The strawberry ice cream at the Bumble Cafe is yummy too.

Surprised in Blue.

When running into that special someone,

it's best to be pleasantly surprised in blue.

Lilly in Black.

Sophisticated and Knowing.

He won't keep me waiting long. I'm in turquoise.

A Red Cherry Swirl goes so well with cupcakes and tea at the Brazen Tarts.

Lilly in White. Lovely.

My hair is from ARGRACE and is called Soft Breeze. It was designed by rika Oyen. Soft Breeze comes in nine colors - black, dark brown, light brown, red, copper, amber, platinum, blonde and dark blonde. They sell for L$250 per color. All nine colors are available in a fat pack for L$1500.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Second Life offers many artistic pleasures; the best of which explore the potential within virtual worlds to be uniquely entertained and enlightened by the arts. In Second Life, I've experienced paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and Salvador Dali that have been rendered into three dimensions in our virtual space. So, rather than merely viewing the painting, one can actually enter the work, wander about its composition, and interact with its objects. Imagine walking about Vincent Van Gogh's Bedroom at Arles, viewing the room from all perspectives, and plopping down on Van Gogh's bed. It was great fun.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing

But the most immersive art experience that I have had in Second Life was not an immersion in a particular work of art but immersion in an particular art form, that of Chinese Brush Painting. Chinese brush painting has a long history dating back to 2000 BC . Its techniques were codified in the 5th Century A.D. by the venerated master Hsieh Ho. Chinese brush painting emerged from calligraphy, considered by the Chinese as the highest art form, and utilizes strokes of a brush dipped in black or colored ink. The artist paints with rapid brush strokes; some are strong and some are light, some are thick and some are thin, and some are wet and some are dry. Each stroke is defining and never elaborated. The spirit (chi) of the artist flows from within and animates the movements of the brush. A master paints with authority and a spontaneity that captures the essence of the subject.

Above the China sim in Second Life is an encapsulated world where the virtual reality is that of brush painted impressions. Its not a world of realism; but one of essence. We walk among translucent shadows that are groves of bamboo in our mind's eye. In the distance, a dark shadow is a fisherman's shack set a shore of a lake whose rippling waters recede into the horizon. Above us is an ink washed sky. It's otherworldly; but hauntingly beautiful.

I showcased myself against this beautiful background because I want to introduce you to an updated look to my avatar. Many people express their creativity through the design of their avatars. Some of my friends change their shapes and skins so frequently that I recognize them chiefly by their name tags and not by their avatar. To me, my avatar is not a fashion accessory. Its design captures the essence of 'Mariko'. I am intimately familar with this essence. I know it when I see it. It's an important part of what defines me in Second Life. I've updated my avatar only once before. And any update must capture that essence.

Leena Ying, the owner of DrLife, is the greatest designer of avatars in Second Life. Her artistry is unsurpassed, and DrLife Skins are the best in Second Life. Leena is my oldest and dearest friend in this virtual world. She is the primary designer of my avatar. I perform the final tweeks. Leena had been trying to get me to update my avatar for almost a year as the artistry of her skins reached ever higher heights. Time and again, Leena would present me with a new skin. I would put it on; but, always revert back to my old skin. I could tell that this peeved her. But as artistically lovely as these new skins were, they just didn't capture 'Mariko'. Until she persented me this last one. It was close. Each skin has its own peculiarities that must be dealt with. And after countless tweeks and checks against references, 'Mariko' emerged once again. And the artistry is lightyears beyond what I previously had. Bless you, Leena.

The kimono that I'm wearing is from Sweetaholic Kimono Shop and is called Reishoku#black. It was designed by Asalt Eames and devil Babii and sells for L$500. Sweetaholic Kimono Shop has an outstanding collection of kimono and accessories. I love this particular kimono because it looks very much like my mother's kimono, rarely worn and then only for special occasions. It is a family treasure. Reishoku#black also comes with a black feather shawl. The hair that I am wearing is from DrLife and is called Leena. Leena was designed by Leena Ying and sells for L$350. With Leena, you get 9 hair colors which you can select from a menu.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Paris, La Ville Lumière - the City of Light, so named because it was the first city in Europe to illuminate its streets with gas lamps, beginning with the Champs De Elysées in 1828. To the world, the light of Paris is also its cuisine, its artists, museums and monuments, the Opera House, the café society, and, of course, fashion and the pursuit of romance. But, foremost on our minds when we visit the City of Light in Second Life is 'What shall I wear when strolling these Parisian avenues and parks?' My advice is to wear Paris, a delightfully flirty and very Parisian little dress designed by Malegria Ewry, owner of M.E. Fashion.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

At M.E. Fashion, you’ll find fashions with an emphasis on Fun and Sexy. Wander through the main store and put item after item on your wish list and find Paris on the second floor. Paris comes in six colors - Red, Aqua, Gold, Purple, White, and Silver. Paris is very reasonably priced at L$195. At that price, I bought three colors and will go back for the other three.

Paris Gold on Avenue Montaigne

Avenue Montaigne is Paris' renowned fashion boulevard. Here you'll find elegance, luxury, and a who's who list of prestigious labels like Christian Dior, Valentino, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Inès de la Fressange. Don't even think about the prices. You'll become apoplexic. However, we can always window shop. It's a pleasant and inexpensive way to experience this grande dame of fashion.

Paris Aqua at the Moulin Rouge

When we picture the gaiety of Paris’ nightlife, we think of The Moulin Rouge, the world famous cabaret immortalized by the painter Toulouse-Lautrec and the birthplace of that quintessential Parisian cabaret dance, the Can-Can.

Paris White at night

The hair that I am wearing is from DrLife and is called Bo. Bo was designed by my dear friend Leena Ying, owner of DrLife, and sells for L$350. Bo comes with 9 colors - red, silverin, platinum, honey, blonde, black, brown, golden brown, dark brown - which you select from a menu.

It was fun exploring the Paris sims of Second Life, and I hope that you enjoyed this look at M.E. Fashion's Paris. Don't you just love those peeks of lace. So dress in Paris, and let's catch the show at The Moulin Rouge.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Some desserts are simply irresistable. An elegant creme brulee is definitely one of them. Some fashions are irresistable. And Creme Brulee is also irresistable fashion magic. This dress is just too tempting not to give in to it. Go ahead and indulge yourself. This is a sumptuous creation for the fashion gourmet. Creme Brulee is designed by Vitabela Dubrovna and can be found at Vita's Boudoir where it sells for $650L.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them to their original size for better viewing.

Crème Brulee is French for ‘Burnt Cream’. It’s a sweetened egg custard topped with caramelized sugar. The sugar is traditionally caramelized by direct flame from a kitchen torch. However, some prefer caramelizing by flambéing a hard liquor on it for a great fiery show at the table. It’s a decadent dessert. It’s considered classic French cuisine; but, crème brulee’s origins lie outside of France. Trinity College in England claims the honor. Its Trinity burnt cream dates back to the 1600s. Spain also claims that its traditional crema catalana is the true predecessor of France's crème brulee.

When on the dance floor, remove the gold leaf shrug for a classic look

that is cool and elegant.

Creme Brulee has an attention gathering quotient of 10 on a 10 point scale. I've been totally overwhelmed by all the compliments that came my way, and by such glowing and enthusiastic compliments.

Hair by booN hair

My hair is from booN hair, and it's their HTU132 designed by boo Nakamura. HTU132 is available in 15 different colors. I am wearing gold. It sells for $200L for one color; $500L for a 5 color pack; and $1200L for all 15 colors.

I really enjoyed bringing this fashion magic to you. It was delightful to wear, lovely to photograph, and i was motivate to eat some delicious creme burlee. Be sure to get to Vita's Boudoir for your serving of Creme Burlee.

Monday, April 26, 2010

I dropped in at Mimi's Choice to see Mimi's selections from the recently released Spring Collection of designer ziamela Loon, owner of Jador Fashion. The collection is a delightful ensemble of fashion magic. I put a number of its sexy formals and colorful casuals on my 'Gotta Have It' list. I only wish my linden dollars were as vast as my fashion wants. But, I had enough lindens in my account to come away with at least one fabulous outfit. And I was particularly intrigued by the possibilities of an outfit from the collection called Africa.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.

Indigo cloth has a long history in sub-saharan Africa dating back to 1200 BC with the Phoenician and Arab trade along the continent's east coast. But it came into its own in the 18th and 19th centuries when European textile manufacturers developed a block and discharge print style on indigo cotton fabric. The discharge printed cloth with its blue hue became an important trade good throughout Africa. In South Africa, this cotton cloth is called shweshwe for the swishing sound it makes when one walks dressed in it. Ladies, our curves will certainly shweshwe dressed in Jador Fashion's delightful Africa.

An intricate traditional African print adorns Africa. Such prints are designed for ceremonies and special occasions such as royal weddings. Africa also comes with lovely ethnic beaded accessories which include a necklace, earrings, bracelets, arm bands, and a belt. The details are exquisite. Africa sells for $450L.

Taking Africa to The Nubian Empire

I knew the look that I wanted to create with Africa - dark toned skin, flashing steely eyes, wild, but gorgeous, hair. I liked the result. And now that I had the look I was after, I searched for an exotic Africa inspired location to photograph the outfit and the look. I choose a fantastic role play sim called The Nubian Empire.

Ancient Nubia was the first great black African kingdom, a civilization as old as Egypt, its neighbor to the north. The histories of Nubia and Egypt are deeply intertwined as are their cultures. Egypt conquered and assimilated Nubian territory in various eras, Egypt’s New Kingdom (1500 BC) in particular. The Nubians in turn conquered Egypt in the 8th century BC and established a dynasty of Nubian pharaohs. Nubians and Egyptians were often so closely related, as the two cultures melded and mixed together, as to be virtually indistinguishable. The Nubian Empire in Second Life showcases this cultural melding and the dominance of Nubia during the rule of the black pharaohs. I had a wonderful time photographing Africa against The Nubian Empire’s monumental builds. It's a great sim to explore, and I highy recommend it.

This skin is from DrLife and is the dark version of Liu. Liu is designed by my dear friend Leena Ying. The All Makeup line of skins by DrLife are priced at $2200L.

The hair is from Bish Wear and is called Toss Me Around. It sells for $375L which gets you a package of 6 hair colors (auburn, black, brown, blonde, red, and wine). I am wearing brown. The hair is designed by ShyOne Lehane. My eyes are from TULI and are called luminous eyes - steel. They are designed by Tuli Asturias.

I hope that you enjoyed this look at Africa and found the photos intriguing and exotic. And do drop by Mimi's Choice and see her very choice selections from Jador Fashion's Spring Collection.

What is Mariko Magic

Welcome to Mariko Magic a blog about fashion in the cyber world of Second Life. This is not about what is new in the stores. Its about those rare styles and outfits that are creating Fashion Magic. There are some wonderful talents creating exceptional fashion in Second Life. Some are well known and many more deserve to be. I will feature them and their most magical creations. We all thrill when we find that special outfit that creates magic for us. Grace and Sophistication. Sensual and Sexy. Cute and Whimsical. There are many elements that flow and mix to create fashion magic. It takes a special talent to get it just right. So lets go find these exceptional designers and their creations and highlight them here..If you have any suggestions or have found some fashion magic, please send me an email at mariko_nightfire@live.com . Perhaps you already have some magic in your clothing inventory and would like to model it for this blog. Let me know.